As the confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to rise we should be reminded on best practices regarding hand washing, and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). By using these techniques, we strive to decrease our risk of transmitting COVID-19 and many other germs.

Hand Washing

https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/index.html

First a few facts from the CDC:

· Hand washing education reduces respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 21 percent.

· Alcohol-based hand sanitizer kills most of the bad germs that make you sick.

· Despite widespread knowledge of the importance of handwashing, there is still room for improvement. A recent study showed that only 31 percent of men and 65 percent of women washed their hands after using a public restroom.

Soap and water hand washing correctly is important to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. The CDC provides the following guidance for effective handwashing, which was developed based on data from a number of studies. At least 60 percent alcohol base hand rub may be used instead of soap and water if available.

1) Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap. Avoid use of basin of standing water to prevent recontamination. Temperature of water does not affect removing microbes.

2) With the soap applied to your hands scrub both hands together and play close attention to commonly missed areas (back of hands, between fingers, and under your nails).

3) Scrub hands together for at least 20 seconds.

4) Rinse hands with running water.

5) Dry hands with a clean towel or let them air dry.

Everyone should be washing their hands many times a day. Key time include before and after preparing food, caring for family member, after toilet use, care for pets, sneezing/coughing. We should all try to remind our family and friends of hand washing. The above website has many posters that can be printed in placed in your homes and businesses to remind others of the proper hand washing techniques.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

COVID-19 is a new disease although we continue to learn about this virus we will discuss a few precautions that you can take in order to decrease your risk of contracting the viral illness. Although the virus can be contracted from objects, based on the CDC the virus is thought to spread mainly by person-to-person contact. This includes close contact with an infected person within 6 feet. The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets during coughs, sneezes, or conversation. Social distancing is a very important practice that can help prevent the spread of viral illnesses.

CDC has recommended using a cloth face cover when around others. In order to decrease spread of the virus everyone should wear a cloth face cover when in public. Many masks are available and may made from common supplies at home. You should ensure that your mask covers your nose and mouth to help protect and prevent further spreading of COVID-19. This should be worn even if you do not feel sick. Face masks should not be placed on children less than 2 years of age, anyone that has trouble breathing, or is otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Wearing a mask is not a substitution for social distancing.

I encourage you to remember how these viruses spread, and these common practices to help decrease the spread of COVID-19. Continue to follow the CDC website for further recommendations as we continue to learn more about this virus in our fight against this pandemic.